Not only is Cisco Systems Inc., HP, Dell, Red Hat and other big names behind it, but also VMware. But its inclusion hasn’t been without controversy. Brandon Butler also reports in a separate story that at least one board member isn’t sure that’s a good idea: Most organizations are interested in OpenStack as an alternative to VMware, the board member said.

On the other hand, an industry analyst argues that VMware’s presence gives legitimacy to the effort. Read both pieces and you be the judge.

Currently a freelance writer, I'm the former editor of ITWorldCanada.com and Computing Canada. An IT journalist since 1997, I've written for several of ITWC's sister publications including ITBusiness.ca and Computer Dealer News. Before that I was a staff reporter at the Calgary Herald and the Brampton (Ont.) Daily Times. I can be reached at hsolomedia [@] gmail.com